Active Life=Happy Life Community Spotlight: Christine Taylor of Thrive East Wellness

Active Life=Happy Life Community Spotlight: Christine Taylor of Thrive East Wellness

I had the pleasure of meeting Christine Taylor back in August of 1996 while living next door to each other in the dorms freshman year in Binghamton University. Fast friends, being she was from Long Island herself, I was always intrigued how she often incorporated her holistic views and wellness into her daily routine even at a young age, when most of us thought diet soda was a major food group and yoga...well who had time for that "weird stuff". Fast forward many years later and Christine has incorporated her lifestyle of health and wellness to a whole new level especially after getting the devastating news that at age 32 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While that news at that age would have stopped many people in their tracks, Christine has embraced her knowledge and training into helping others, especially women battling cancer through her work with Thrive East, Urban Zen and Southampton Hospital. Here she is to talk and share her work!

Tell us a little about yourself:

My true age is 35 but, mentally, I fluctuate. I am a mom to an incredibly cool four-year-old named Jack, a dog named Phoebe and two cats, Shorty and Margo. I love my family and friends more than anything and I love living by the beach. I have a BS in Human Development from Binghamton University and an MA in Health Education from Columbia University. My former career was a school health teacher and health coordinator for a public school district in Westchester County. I love teaching very much, but I left it when I had my son so I could move closer to family and be by the beach. The last few years have provided me with many opportunities for personal and professional growth and I’m grateful for all of them. I am passionate about mind-body medicine and empowering people to take active roles in their health.

Tell me how and why you started your company Thrive East Wellness and your work with Urban Zen:

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age thirty-two. Immediately—truly, moments after my diagnosis—I began to gather my healthcare team.  I sought out the best mind-body professionals I could find and spent hours upon hours pouring over books, research studies and articles. I discovered so many wonderful resources for women with cancer. The only thing I could not seem to find was a nutritionist who specialized in women’s cancer and whose advice resonated with me. I remember once going to a nutritionist at a prominent cancer center and having her tell me to stir dried potato flakes into my food, which was disappointing on so many levels. So, even though I have a few degrees under my belt, and years of experience teaching nutrition, I went back to school to learn even more and became a certified holistic health counselor. Being a cancer patient is a full-time job.  And, integrating holistic modalities into your care takes even more effort.  I had to do so much work weeding through people and information to find the best practitioners and tools for my self-care.  Through this process, I realized that I could use what I had learned to help other people navigate this confusing and scary disruption in life called cancer.

From my experience navigating breast cancer, Thrive East Wellness was born. My goal as a practitioner is to empower people to take an active role in their health by introducing tools and skills aimed at bringing more joy and balance into their lives moving forward. Some of the services available through Thrive East are nutrition counseling, holistic health counseling, health-supportive cooking classes, corporate and school-based workshops, Reiki,and soon Urban Zen Integrative Therapy.

Tell me what your personal favorite healthy/active things you do and how that makes you incorporate the theme of moving your mind as well as your body?

Movement and exercise reduce the risk for cancer recurrence by 30%, as much as certain chemotherapy regimes.  That’s an astounding number. Yoga is my #1 love. For me, it reduces my stress levels and helps to create a feeling of balance and clarity.  I love tennis because it doesn't feel like exercise to me. It’s just fun and very gratifying to smash the ball with the racket. Recently, I've been doing Beachbody challenges with some of my friends. My favorite is the Les Mills Body Pump. Working with the barbell makes me feel strong and accomplished and the online community support makes it fun and helps me stick with it.  It is very inspiring to see how people have changes their bodies and their lives with exercise.

Who influenced you the most in the work you are doing?

Breast cancer was life-changing for me. It was miserable until the turning point, when I came across an organization called You Can Thrive! that provides integrative therapies for breast cancer patients. I can not express to you how much it meant to me to be able to go to their wellness center and receive acupuncture, Reiki, reflexology, massage and exercise in a supportive community of fellow breast cancer survivors. My experience as a client there guided my very passionate belief that everyone who suffers from a chronic illness deserves access to integrative care and holistic support at a reasonable cost in a supportive community.  I went there weekly during treatment, and this is where I first became introduced to Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, which layers different holistic modalities including yoga positioning, essential oils, Reiki, movement, breath awareness and meditation to bring more ease and balance to patients. I was very intrigued and wanted to get involved with Urban Zen.

The other turning point for me happened a year later when I became involved with the Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital. I started getting involved the wellness programs they offer and quickly became an active volunteer with them. They do so much for the cancer community on the East End and there is such a supportive community, it’s truly unbelievable. In September of 2013, I was awarded a scholarship from the Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital to become trained as an Urban Zen Integrative Therapist and will soon graduate. I still volunteer for both of these wonderful organizations.

What do you have planned for the future with your work?

I would love to create a place out here on the East End where patients and their caregivers, as well as all community members, could come for integrative services and educational retreats.   We have such talented practitioners and brilliant minds out here when it comes to mind-body health. It would be wonderful to have a campus where we could all gather to share our talents for the betterment of our community. Everyone benefits from making self-care a priority, and I would love to create a place where this is accessible to everyone.

Of course feel free to add anything else you want to share as well!

I would never say I’m grateful to have had cancer. I am grateful to be rid of it and I kind of wish it never happened. And, I don’t think cancer necessarily changes all people. But, for some people, like me, it helps you to realize who you are. I have never been happier “going to work” as I am now. I feel that cancer gave me a way to be uniquely useful in this world.  As humans we all go through our fair share of trauma. Nobody is exempt. It is up to all of us who have come through a painful experience to use what we have learned to make the trip a little easier for those who come after us.  Sharing your experience is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the world.

I am involved in the Long Island Two Day Walk for Breast Cancer, raising money for women with breast cancer on Long Island. Every dollar raised here stays here. Fundraisers like this bring relief to women going through treatment and fund women in survivorship, like me, change their lives for the better. Please consider making a small donation. It is because of your donations I am able to do what I do and help women who walk this path after me. Thank you!CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Christine can be reached at:

www.thriveeast.com

Christine@thriveeast.com

 Or on facebook @ Thrive East Wellness

Holy Snot Rockets, Spring Is Here!

The thermometer says 50! 50!!! I finally want to scream from the roof tops "spring is finally here!" after the HELL winter we had on Long Island. Probably the worst winter I can ever remember living here my whole life. So, I don't care who hears me as I get ready to scream to the heavens that spring is here, but then I get a pollen ball clogging my throat, which then turns my moment of exuberance into a moment of screw you spring and the wrath of allergy fury that is about to explode through my body. But, it's a fleeting moment of scorn when I realize that finally layers can be ditched, gloves, and hats are to be once again buried deep into my cedar closet, and  long pants replaced by light-as-feather running shorts or bike shorts. I can see the minutes shaved off my race times, just for the sheer fact I have put away 40 pounds of fabric weighing me down for the last few months.

The Winter did have its moments of shining breakthroughs. I managed to not break any bones or have any major spills, which that alone is deserving of a medal for me. I learned the beauty of a product called yaktrax which I know might sound like the result of a nauseous deer that had one to many cocktails at a wild forest rave. Instead it's this ingenious little contraption with metal you attach to your running sneaker so you can run with traction through the snow. Why, would you ask, would anyone want to go and run when there is a snow covering everything? Because we are nuts. And nuts is fun. Its a simple as that.

Skiing is probably the only thing that I love about Winter. I do thoroughly enjoy strapping long pieces of death traps to horribly painful torture devices called "boots", and hurling myself down a mountain covered in ice. Usually this form of torture is joined with long weekends of family bonding and fireplaces which in my book is winter perfection. Also, seeing my little ones progressing on their tiny snowboards is just such a blast to watch.

This winter also brought newly acquired skills. I progressed from the doggy paddle to a full fledged I CAN SWIM, as I prepared for my first triathlons this upcoming season. Also, jealous of both my male and female running /training partners and their award winning skill of snot rocketing, I finally worked my way up to give it the ol' college try. The conditions had to be just right. Cold: Check. Over production of nasal excretions: Check. Running alone: Check. It was time. I geared up. I placed one finger on the opposing nostril to free the other for full force of expulsion. I knew the beauty that would come as I watched others shoot rockets in hard, steady streams landing feet in front of them, and the satisfaction that came from the over abundance of fresh clean air that replaced the former clogged tunnel. It was my turn now.  I let it rip. There was no glamour. There was no steady stream. There was no fresh air tearing up through my cold, energy sapped body. There was only boogers, and these damn boogers were EVERYWHERE. All over my damn face. From my face to my gloves, my gloves to my shirt. NEVER AGAIN. I will continue my next million winters with my clothing happily stuffed with tissues and damp sleeves;  there was no medals for me in the snot rocket category. I will remain jealous of my teammates every winter to come.

So as I was finishing up writing this piece, I had paused and checked my facebook updates. There is a man in  my feed who practices meteorology as a hobby. He states the possibility of snow is in the forecast for next week. I laugh, because all I can figure to do at this point is laugh. Snow or no snow, I will still revel in the sound of those birds chirping outside my window, the buds on the trees, my silky, smooth, light as a feather running shorts and take a deep, allergy-induced pollen clogged breath and smile. Spring is here!

Build a Community

What do you think of when you think of the word community? Most of us probably think of the neighborhood we live in, the stores in close proximity, perhaps school districts. In the geographical sense, community is a big part of our lives, but I want us all to focus on the word in more of a lifestyle. Sometimes in order for us to feel a more conceptual wholeness to our being we need to go out and  build our own personal community. You know the saying "it takes a village to raise a child?" In this sense you are the child, and you need to surround yourself with people to help raise you up. Supportive people who want the best for you, make you stronger, and  catch you when you fall. You can have multiple communities. Each will bring a firmer sense of self when combined and intertwine themselves in your world. Great advice I often tell people who are looking to get healthier and starting to get into the gym...Talk to people!!! You will be amazed how quickly bonds form when people are all trying to accomplish the same thing. Get to know your  instructor, introduce yourself. These people are usually a wealth of knowledge and they want to help you succeed. When I first started running, I knew nobody. I ran mostly alone. Luckily my neighbor got inspired and I finally had a training partner. My community was building.  One day I decided to go on a training run at the local running shop (shout out to Sayville Running Company) for an upcoming race they were hosting. I began talking to another runner who was fairly new to the scene too. Just by opening up those lines of conversation I learned that she too was a nurse and that there was a group that ran a bunch of "hills"  weekly.  I began running those hills and fast forward a couple of years later- my personal community is flourishing. I know that when I am surrounded by my athlete family, I have unconditional support, motivation, and most importantly friendship, ( and I can't forget laughter, ohhhh we laugh alot!!) This idea of building a personal community does not have to be athletic centered, moving your mind is just as important. If art is your thing, find a local art class, join a book club, an environmental organization. Intertwine your community, take a running friend to an art show. Take a book club member running. Your life will be fuller, I guarantee it. Take chances, get out there, try something new. Build your personal community and be a proud member. -k

RUN 10 FEED 10

MARK YOUR CALENDERS! RUN 10 FEED 10 is Coming to NYC Sunday, September 21, 2014!!

What is RUN 10 FEED 10?: 

"Run. Influence. Change The World

ABOUT RUN 10 FEED 10
Right now, 50 million Americans are going hungry—they don't know when they will get their next meal. The reality is there IS enough food in the world today for everyone to get the nourishment they need for a healthy and productive life.

HUNGER IS THE WORLD’S MOST SOLVABLE PROBLEM.
It's something we can do something about. Together, we can make a huge impact in a very simple way. All you have to do is RUN!

This fall, Women’s Health will once again host our run with a mission. Run a 10K with us, and you will instantly provide 10 meals for those going hungry in your local and surrounding communities. You can join us by racing in New York City, Chicago or San Francisco, or you can join us at Fun Runs nationwide. If you don't live in one of our host cities - you can still participate! Sign up to run your own 10K. The money from your registration and fundraising efforts will go to those metropolitan areas nearest to you."

MORE INFO TO COME SOON! STAY TUNED TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Look Good, Feel Good, Run Hard! Heidi Klum for New Balance

One of the great things about being a Women's Health Action Hero is the ability to try out new products that represent and inspire a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle. I was lucky enough to receive some of the great looks from Heidi Klum's new line for New Balance. Now, I have been known to race wearing my favorite red lipstick, because you want to know why? It makes me feel good, and when I feel good, I perform better!! Nothing wrong with that!! So what do you get when you take Heidi Klum's fashion sense and combine it with New Balance's reputation for awesome athletic apparel and shoes...you get fabulosity!!! I knew some of my other Action Hero girls received capris and tanks, and I was so excited to open my box and find running shorts and a sports bra- perfect timing since that weekend I had an important 5K that I really wanted to perform good in and make my new training team, Champion Performance Racing Team, proud.

The shorts were totally feminine with a gorgeous, silky feel that I never felt in running shorts before. With a silver piping along the edges, it gave an edgy feel that was totally me. The pocket in the back was the icing on the cake, I wish ALL running shorts had this, it is so needed to stash a key/ money/ or ten thousand tissues like I need with this darn weather! The inner shorts were more than just your standard running undies that are usually attached, this had a little more length and substance to them making the "lady parts" feel a little more protected and happy! The sports bra was so much fun, the back with the criss crossing and the foam green color amongst the black was the perfect color combo. Again, just like the shorts, the texture of the material was top notch, totally smooth yet moisture wicking like a good sports bra should be. Most importantly the "girls" were happy, and even though the "girls" are little, they still don't like a good bounce, and they were perfectly at peace while I jostled them around for a hard three miles!

Like I said when you look good, you feel good, and boy was I feeling good!! I set a personal record at this race with my best 5k time of 23:56 @ 7:43 mi pace and got a third place medal in  my age group! Shout out to my Champion  Performance Race team who also collected many medals in this race, an awesome morning all around! I think I might  have to wear this same outfit to every single race from now on!! Check out www.newbalance.com/heidiklum for her complete line of gorgeous new athletic wear... all can be mixed and matched and feature footwear, jackets, leggings, capris, and tanks... look fabulous before you work out, during and after...I know I did!!   #HKNB

Climb that Mountain

I didn't know I could climb a mountain.  It all starts with a little idea. That little something in the back of your head, a little voice that says I really want to....(insert a verb here). But there is a mountain. A large, ferocious mountain. Its covered in rocks, ice, sharp trees, and it's steep...ohhhh so steep. You can't see the top. You dont want to see the top. The ground below you is firm, familiar, and extremely comfortable. This is what you don't know: climbing that mountain is hard, its not going to be easy, but the real secret is what awaits at that top...the secret is the downward momentum you obtain as you caress down the other side. Come climb the mountain with me. You can, and then you will climb a second.

So many of us suffer from the mindset of thinking they are not able to do something, they suffer from a case of the "I can'ts". You know what I am talking about , because we have ALL been guilty of this. I had the pleasure of running with a new friend the other day, a seasoned personal trainer named Donna. We got talking about how to get, especially women , to break away from this negative mind frame. She told me how she encourages her clients to set tangable goals. This is the key: setting small goals that you can reach will allow you accomplish the once "impossible". Accomplishing is what it is all about. Nobody wakes up one morning and says "what a beautiful day,  I have never ran before, but 26.2 miles sure sounds like a good number to hit" . Nope, not going to happen -because its not realistic, not tangible. 

When starting any life change, and a health-minded life change is the easiest to explain this with, get specific with your goals. My philosophy of move your body, move your mind, will all come together as you reach the top of that mountain and begin the decent into a more fulfilled world. Its about building the confidence to continue the journey. Running for me has been that catalyst to propel me up that treacherous slope. It's an easy way to build tangible goals for success.

 Lets explore this mountain together: you have that little voice in the back of your head saying I would love to run, but I cant even make it to my mailbox. How many times have you heard someone utter those words? Lets change it to a tangible goal: "I would love to run. I know its going to be hard, but there is a local 5k (three miles)  that some of my co-workers are doing this spring and I want to cross that finish line with them." That is a tangible goal, its doable, and there is a time frame. The base of the mountain has the goal laid out in front of you, now its time to climb. Every day you work at it a little by little. Perhaps today you ran to your mailbox, tomorrow you reach the end of the block, either way you are progressing up this mountain. You might have setbacks, remember that mountain is full of rocky cliffs, treacherous curves and obstacles along the way. But that is ok, mountains are life, and life is not flat. Team work is key. Surround yourself with people you know will give you a hand to pull you up that grand hill, not pull you back down. Maybe you need a teammate, someone who also shares the same tangible goal. A good team should always have your back not leave you navigating alone. Be picky with who you climb with, surround yourself with positiveness. At some point the apex of this mountain comes into site. The day you worked for it actually here, race day. Being that it is a tangible goal, you can touch this summit and feel it, taste it even. That right there, is the power, but the real magic is about to begin. You cross that finish line and you will now have the secret that will propel you down the other side of that once impossible to climb mountain: CONFIDENCE. This is the key, this is the prize. This is the invisible medal you will place around your neck. You , the former doer of the "i cants" is now a doer of success. It's that little spark of confidence that you should ride the coat-tails on as you take flight down the other side of the mountain. Go with it, live it, enjoy it and most importantly use it to pick up speed to prepare to climb the next mountain. Set a new goal, it doesn't have to be a race, try learning a new language, take an art class, explore a new career. Know that you do indeed have the power to make that small inner voice into a loud shout. Remember to make goals that are tangible to build a successful confidence to move you forward with a smile on your face, next thing you know you will be scaling Mount Everest for real! -k

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